Psalms 119: 17-64

Godly Friendships

_{I am a friend to anyone who fears you—anyone who obeys your commandments. ~ Psalms 119:63}

Friendships are one of the greatest gifts God gives us. They can uplift, encourage, and challenge us to grow closer to Him. However, just as the right friendships can strengthen our faith, the wrong ones can lead us astray. That’s why it is essential to be intentional about the people we surround ourselves with.

Psalm 119:17-64 highlights a deep desire to follow God’s ways, seek His wisdom, and stay steadfast in faith. These same principles apply to friendships. Godly friends help keep us focused on truth, encourage righteousness, and walk with us through life’s challenges.

There was a time when all my friends were unbelievers. Most of these relationships formed naturally because we worked together, and I enjoyed their company. They were kind and fun to be around, and at the time, I didn’t see the harm in spending time with them outside of work. We went to events, gatherings, and activities together, and I found myself caught up in their world.

However, over time, I began to notice a shift in my heart. Conversations rarely, if ever, turned to God, and when I brought up my faith, it was met with indifference or casual dismissal. Their priorities were different from mine, and I found myself slowly compromising in small ways like laughing at things I normally wouldn’t, tolerating behavior that didn’t line up with my values, and even making choices that pulled me further from my walk with God.

The turning point came when I realized that while these friends cared for me in a general sense, they couldn’t offer the spiritual encouragement I desperately needed. When I was struggling, they didn’t point me to God’s Word or remind me of His promises. They had no understanding of what it meant to seek Him first because He simply wasn’t part of their lives. As much as I enjoyed their company, I knew I needed friends who would strengthen my faith, not weaken it.

When I made the decision to surround myself with godly friends, everything changed. I found people who not only shared my faith but also challenged me to grow spiritually. They prayed with me, encouraged me in righteousness, and reminded me to stay steadfast in my walk with Christ. Looking back, I realize how much influence friendships have over the direction of our lives, and I am grateful that God opened my eyes to the importance of choosing my inner circle wisely.

Below are some hints from Psalms 119 to help you recognize people who will be a godly friend:

1. Godly Friends Keep Each Other Focused on Truth (Psalm 119:18-19)

“Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law. I am a stranger in the earth; do not hide Your commandments from me.”

A godly friend helps you see beyond temporary distractions and keeps your focus on God’s truth. They remind you that this world is not our home and encourage you to live with eternity in mind.

Ask Yourself: Do my friends help me grow spiritually and seek God’s wisdom?

2. Godly Friends Comfort and Strengthen in Hard Times (Psalm 119:25, 50)

“My soul clings to the dust; revive me according to Your word.”
“This is my comfort in my affliction, for Your word has given me life.”

Life brings seasons of difficulty, but true, godly friends bring encouragement during trials. They remind you of God’s promises, helping you find strength and peace when you feel weak.

Ask Yourself: When I struggle, do my friends lead me to God’s truth or feed my doubts and fears?

3. Godly Friends Encourage Righteousness and Integrity (Psalm 119:29-30)

“Remove from me the way of lying, and grant me Your law graciously. I have chosen the way of truth; Your judgments I have laid before me.”

The right friends won’t encourage sin or compromise. Instead, they will challenge you to live in integrity, holding you accountable in love and truth.

Ask Yourself: Do my friendships push me toward righteousness, or do they make it easier to compromise?

4. Godly Friends Walk Together in Perseverance (Psalm 119:32, 60)

“I will run the course of Your commandments, for You shall enlarge my heart.”
“I made haste, and did not delay to keep Your commandments.”

The Christian life is a journey that requires endurance. Godly friendships provide encouragement to keep running the race of faith. They challenge each other to stay steadfast and to follow God’s commands without hesitation.

Ask Yourself: Do my friendships help me stay committed to God’s plan, even when it’s difficult?

5. Godly Friendships Are Rooted in Love for God (Psalm 119:63-64)

“I am a companion of all who fear You, and of those who keep Your precepts. The earth, O Lord, is full of Your mercy; teach me Your statutes.”

True friendship is more than just companionship, it is built on a shared love for God. When two people fear the Lord and strive to follow His Word, their friendship is strengthened by His mercy and guidance.

Ask Yourself: Are my closest friendships centered on a mutual desire to honor God?

If you desire strong, godly friendships, here are a few steps to take:

• Pray for the Right Friends – Ask God to bring people into your life who will strengthen your faith and walk alongside you in truth.
• Be the Kind of Friend You Want to Have – Cultivate the qualities of a godly friend yourself by speaking life, encouraging righteousness, and uplifting those around you.
• Seek Community – Surround yourself with believers who share your desire to follow Christ. Join a Bible study, church group, or ministry where you can grow together.  Just because someone says they are a Christian doesn’t always mean they are following God.
• Set Boundaries – While we should love and witness to everyone, we must also guard our hearts against relationships that consistently pull us away from God’s truth.

Today I want to encourage you to remember God created us for community, and the friendships we choose have a lasting impact on our faith journey. Psalm 119 reminds us of the importance of walking in truth, and godly friendships help us stay on that path. Seek friendships that glorify God, challenge you in your faith, and encourage you to persevere in righteousness. And above all, be that kind of friend to others.

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 119:17-64

17 Be good to your servant, that I may live and obey your word.

18 Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions.

19 I am only a foreigner in the land. Don’t hide your commands from me!

20 I am always overwhelmed with a desire for your regulations.

21 You rebuke the arrogant; those who wander from your commands are cursed.

22 Don’t let them scorn and insult me, for I have obeyed your laws.

23 Even princes sit and speak against me, but I will meditate on your decrees.

24 Your laws please me; they give me wise advice.

25 I lie in the dust; revive me by your word.

26 I told you my plans, and you answered. Now teach me your decrees.

27 Help me understand the meaning of your commandments, and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds.

28 I weep with sorrow; encourage me by your word.

29 Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your instructions.

30 I have chosen to be faithful; I have determined to live by your regulations.

31 I cling to your laws. Lorddon’t let me be put to shame!

32 I will pursue your commands, for you expand my understanding.

33 Teach me your decrees, O Lord; I will keep them to the end.

34 Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart.

35 Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found.

36 Give me an eagerness for your laws rather than a love for money!

37 Turn my eyes from worthless things and give me life through your word.

38 Reassure me of your promise, made to those who fear you.

39 Help me abandon my shameful ways; for your regulations are good.

40 I long to obey your commandments! Renew my life with your goodness.

41 Lord, give me your unfailing love, the salvation that you promised me.

42 Then I can answer those who taunt me, for I trust in your word.

43 Do not snatch your word of truth from me, for your regulations are my only hope.

44 I will keep on obeying your instructions forever and ever.

45 I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments.

46 I will speak to kings about your laws, and I will not be ashamed.

47 How I delight in your commands! How I love them!

48 I honor and love your commands. I meditate on your decrees.

49 Remember your promise to me; it is my only hope.

50 Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles.

51 The proud hold me in utter contempt, but I do not turn away from your instructions.

52 I meditate on your age-old regulations; O Lord, they comfort me.

53 I become furious with the wicked, because they reject your instructions.

54 Your decrees have been the theme of my songs wherever I have lived.

55 I reflect at night on who you are, O Lord; therefore, I obey your instructions.

56 This is how I spend my life: obeying your commandments.

57 Lord, you are mine! I promise to obey your words!

58 With all my heart I want your blessings. Be merciful as you promised.

59 I pondered the direction of my life, and I turned to follow your laws.

60 I will hurry, without delay, to obey your commands.

61 Evil people try to drag me into sin, but I am firmly anchored to your instructions.

62 I rise at midnight to thank you for your just regulations.

63 I am a friend to anyone who fears you—anyone who obeys your commandments.

64 O Lord, your unfailing love fills the earth; teach me your decrees.